Canyon Grapes, even those that were barely ripe, were quick to be eaten
by Summer Tanagers. The mottled patches of yellow on this bird mean it is an
immature male. Observed at Coon Creek, Sierra Ancha, Gila Co., Arizona on Aug.
8, 2009.

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The Neotropics
host many species of colorful tanagers. Three of these tanager species commonly
migrate north for the summer and nest in Arizona's mesic habitats. Summer
Tanagers are very common in the trees along riparian corridors in the Sonoran
Desert where they feed on berries and especially insects. Their sturdy bills
allow them to handle rather large and hard-bodied prey. I once watched a female
summer tanager dispatch one after another, a nest-full of mature queen
Paper Wasps. Look for them from April through September. The rest of
the year they spend in warmer parts of Central America.

Hepatic Tanager is also found in Arizona, but tends to prefer higher elevation
as among conifers. Hepatic Tanager has a dark bill as opposed to the ivory bill
of the Summer Tanager. Also Hepatic Tanager has a darker red color, like a
liver and a darker brown ear patch. Male Western Tanager is bright red and
yellow and uses mid and upper elevations. All three tanagers have females that
are mostly yellowish instead of red. On very rare occasions Scarlet Tanagers
show up in Arizona during migration. A Mexican species, the Flame-colored
Tanager, has been found several times in the mountains of Southeast Arizona.